Research Article

Therapeutic Virtues of Mollusk Shell Extracts in Non-Trachomatous Corneal Opacities in the DRC (Case of Bivalves and Gasteropods in the Urban-Ural Population of Lubumbashi and Its Surroundings)

Authors: Bora Uzima Akilimali A, Shombo Djoma A, Yogolelo Assani B, Kitenge Kaitane J, Barhwamine Kabesha T, Ngoy Kilangalanga J, Bakari Amuri S, Mbuyi-Musanzayi S, Saleh Ugumba C, Kaimbo wa Kaimbo D.

DOI: 10.33425/2639-9482.1048

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Abstract

Aim: To propose a therapeutic alternative to corneal transplantation, treatment with bivalve and gastropod mollusc shells inspired by the practice of traditional practitioners commonly used in the resorption of non-trachomatous corneal opacities in Lubumbashi and its surroundings.

Methods: Retrospective data collection case-control analytical study, carried out in two urban-rural centers for the treatment of non-trachomatous corneal opacities from 2011 to 2016. The University Clinics of Lubumbashi served as patient follow-up and constituted the control group of patients treated with conventional medications and five traditional practitioner structures comprised the experimental group of patients treated with shells. The size (surface and depth) of the corneal opacity was assessed by slit lamp.

Results: Out of 1244 patients with corneal lesions, 281 patients had corneal opacity (22.59%). The control group: 183 (65.12%) and the experimental group: 98 (34.88%). The mean age: 25.2±15.9 years. Male gender (57.3%), left eye (52.7%), visual acuity ≥ 3/10 (38.1%), unilateral opacity (85.94%) and bilateral opacity (14.06%), blindness (53.38%). The causes: infectious and traumatic corneal ulcer (97.15%), infectious keratitis (73.66%), trauma (36.3%), LCET IV (28.11%), operated pterygium (22.06%), operated tumor (10.68%) and others (8.91%). Superficial opacities (60.14%), leukoma (39.86%).

At the second month of treatment, remarkable regression of the size of the corneal opacity (p=0.000). From 6 to 12 months, 95.92% had good progress with the shells (OR=4.281; CI: [3.259-5.623]) with complete healing of the corneal opacity in 99 patients (82.65% shells, 9.84% with conventional medical treatment).

Conclusion: Article 58 to 60 of our legislation recognizes traditional medicine by its properties for human diseases, treatment with mollusks has a link to the resorption of corneal opacities but conventional medical treatment remains limiting in our care environment.

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